Chapter 15 Amelia paced the small living room, her phone clenched tightly in one hand and a damp cloth in the other.
Debby lay on the couch, her tiny frame trembling beneath a pile of blankets.
Her flushed cheeks and sweat-soaked hair made Amelias chest ache.
Mom, is she gonna be okay? Damiens small voice trembled from the doorway, his wide eyes darting between his sister and his mother.
Amelia forced a reassuring smile, though her insides twisted with worry.
Shell be fine, sweetie.
She just needs some medicine and rest.
But Im taking her to the hospital to be safe.
Damien nodded slowly, his lip quivering as he whispered, Can I come too? No, honey, Amelia said gently.
I need you to stay here and be brave for me.
Sammies on her way to look after you.
When Debby whimpered weakly, Amelias heart clenched.
She crouched to scoop her daughter into her arms, feeling the unnatural heat radiating from her tiny body.
As she reached for her bag, her gaze fell on her phone.
Amelia hesitated, her thumb hovering over a number she hadnt dialed in years.
This was about Debby, not her pride.
She took a steadying breath and pressed the button.

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The line rang once, twice, and then Ryans voice, groggy but instantly alert, answered.
Amelia? Debbys really sick, she said, her voice taut with urgency.
Im taking her to the hospital.
She might need you.
Ill meet you there, Ryan said without hesitation.
*** The sterile hum of the hospital filled Amelias ears as nurses swarmed around Debby in the ER.
IVs were inserted, vitals taken, and soothing reassurances offered.
Amelia sat by Debbys bed, clutching her hand tightly.
Shes dehydrated, the doctor explained.
Likely due to a viral infection.
Were starting fluids and monitoring her overnight.
Amelia nodded numbly, her world narrowing to the sight of her daughters labored breathing.
When Ryan arrived, his eyes darted to Debby, then to Amelia.
How is she? he asked, his voice low.
Theyre keeping her stable, Amelia said, her exhaustion evident.
But shes scared.
I Her words faltered as the weight of the moment pressed down on her.
Ryan crouched beside her, his gaze steady.
Shes strong.
Just like her mom.
Amelias eyes flicked toward him, unspoken gratitude mingling with the lingering pain of his betrayal.
She needs both of us right now, she whispered, her voice trembling with vulnerability.
Ryan nodded, his throat tightening as he watched Amelia gently stroke Debbys curls.
Her resilience was as fierce as ever, but he could see the weariness etched into her face.
This wasnt the woman he had left behindthis was someone stronger, more determined, and it made him ache with guilt.
When Amelia finally drifted into an exhausted sleep in the chair, Ryan stayed by Debbys side, his hand resting protectively on hers.
Memories of their family before Brenda flickered in his mind, each one like a ghost haunting him.
He vowed silently, I wont lose her again.
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